Over a three week time frame Group 3 calculated data and observed the natural changes in Site 3A's watershed as well as the ecology. There were several parameters that were observed. According to Adopt-A-Stream model for "Determining Stream Types", Site 3A would easily be designated as a rocky bottom stream. Site 3A is a true representation of damage an urban area can have on the aesthetics of a watershed. The bridge built has severely altered the landscape beneath it and is related to the extensive erosion on the stream's bank.
Physical Measurements
The bankfull width for Site A was 14.6 ft were obtained on June 12th, the first day data was collected.The discharge was collected on all three visits to the site, with a semi-regular speed maintained through out the three week interval. The average depth measured over those the three weeks was 0.1997 ft. While the stream flow seemed to have increased during the second week of the survey, the increase can most likely be attributed to a slight variation in the location where discharge was tested. While the third week appears to also increased in speed, it is actually related to the lack of flow of the stream and the need to deviate from the exact location where the previous two tests were performed. The lack of flow is also evident with the discharge, because it had to be tested at a length interval of 10 ft. vs. the other 2 sites which used a 20 ft length to calculate discharge.
In-Stream Characteristics
Site 3A is located in direct vicinity of a large overpass bridge. Upstream meanders and widens as it reaches the bridge. The stream is heavily congested with rock debris from construction. As the stream continues, there appears to be significant undercut on the rightside of the bank most likely attributed to the heavy urbanization of the stream. The peripheral vegetation is heavily wooded and a large presence of privet (an invasive species) follows along the bank. A man made dam was built downstream creating a small pool on the left side of the stream. The water fill is relatively shallow through the stream never appearing to have a depth over a foot deep. As the weeks progressed, because of the lack of rainfall the depth continued to decrease.
Overview
Over a three week time frame Group 3 calculated data and observed the natural changes in Site 3A's watershed as well as the ecology. There were several parameters that were observed. According to Adopt-A-Stream model for "Determining Stream Types", Site 3A would easily be designated as a rocky bottom stream. Site 3A is a true representation of damage an urban area can have on the aesthetics of a watershed. The bridge built has severely altered the landscape beneath it and is related to the extensive erosion on the stream's bank.
Physical Measurements
The bankfull width for Site A was 14.6 ft were obtained on June 12th, the first day data was collected.The discharge was collected on all three visits to the site, with a semi-regular speed maintained through out the three week interval. The average depth measured over those the three weeks was 0.1997 ft. While the stream flow seemed to have increased during the second week of the survey, the increase can most likely be attributed to a slight variation in the location where discharge was tested. While the third week appears to also increased in speed, it is actually related to the lack of flow of the stream and the need to deviate from the exact location where the previous two tests were performed. The lack of flow is also evident with the discharge, because it had to be tested at a length interval of 10 ft. vs. the other 2 sites which used a 20 ft length to calculate discharge.
In-Stream Characteristics
Site 3A is located in direct vicinity of a large overpass bridge. Upstream meanders and widens as it reaches the bridge. The stream is heavily congested with rock debris from construction. As the stream continues, there appears to be significant undercut on the rightside of the bank most likely attributed to the heavy urbanization of the stream. The peripheral vegetation is heavily wooded and a large presence of privet (an invasive species) follows along the bank. A man made dam was built downstream creating a small pool on the left side of the stream. The water fill is relatively shallow through the stream never appearing to have a depth over a foot deep. As the weeks progressed, because of the lack of rainfall the depth continued to decrease.Main Page Site Water Bacterial Urban Ecology Conclusion Home Page Results